Horse Buying Guide

Define Your Needs

• What discipline will you be riding? (dressage, jumping, trail, etc.)
• What's your experience level?
• How much time can you commit to riding?
• What's your budget for purchase and ongoing care?

Set Your Budget

Remember that the purchase price is just the beginning. Factor in boarding, feed, veterinary care, farrier services, tack, and training. A good rule of thumb is to budget 2-3 times the purchase price for the first year of ownership.

Find a Trusted Advisor

Consider working with an experienced horse person, trainer, or equine professional who can help you evaluate horses and navigate the buying process.

Physical Condition

• Overall body condition and muscle tone
• Soundness - watch for lameness or stiffness
• Hoof condition and quality
• Dental health (age can be estimated by teeth)
• Skin condition and coat quality

Temperament

• How does the horse react to new people?
• Is it calm and confident or nervous and reactive?
• How does it handle being caught, haltered, and led?
• Does it stand quietly for grooming and tacking?

Training Level

Be honest about your riding ability and look for a horse that matches your skill level. A green horse needs an experienced rider, while a well-trained horse can be suitable for a less experienced rider.

Health & History

• How long have you owned this horse?
• Has the horse had any injuries or health issues?
• What vaccinations and deworming schedule has it been on?
• Has it ever foundered, colicked, or had other serious health problems?
• When was its last veterinary exam?

Training & Experience

• What level of rider is this horse suitable for?
• What disciplines has it been trained in?
• How often is it ridden and by whom?
• Has it been shown or competed?
• How does it handle trailering and new environments?

Behavior & Handling

• Does it have any vices or bad habits?
• How does it get along with other horses?
• Is it easy to catch, halter, and lead?
• How does it handle farrier work and veterinary procedures?

Why Trial Periods Matter

A trial period allows you to see how the horse performs in your environment, with your riding style, and under your care routine. This is especially important for first-time buyers.

What to Test During Trial

• Ride the horse multiple times in different situations
• Test it in the discipline you plan to pursue
• See how it handles your barn's routine and other horses
• Have your trainer or instructor ride and evaluate the horse
• Observe the horse's behavior over several days

Trial Agreement

Always get a written trial agreement that includes duration, responsibilities, insurance requirements, and return conditions. Most trials last 1-2 weeks.

Why It's Essential

A pre-purchase examination (PPE) is a thorough veterinary examination designed to identify any existing health problems or potential issues. This is your best protection against buying a horse with hidden health problems.

What's Included

• Complete physical examination
• Lameness evaluation and flexion tests
• Hoof examination
• Dental examination
• Blood work (if requested)
• X-rays (if requested)

Choosing a Veterinarian

Use your own veterinarian, not the seller's vet. This ensures an unbiased evaluation. The cost is typically $200-500 depending on the extent of the examination.

Sales Agreement

Always get a written sales agreement that includes the purchase price, payment terms, any warranties or guarantees, and what's included (tack, registration papers, etc.).

Payment Methods

• Cash or certified check for smaller amounts
• Bank transfer for larger purchases
• Escrow services for high-value horses
• Avoid personal checks for large amounts

Transfer of Ownership

• Get a signed bill of sale
• Transfer registration papers if applicable
• Update microchip information if the horse is chipped
• Notify your insurance company